electricwestern phantastron kit... not working!

[bbinkovitz]

So I built the phantastron but I cannot get it to work. It powers up and the tubes glow and become warm (but not too hot) and the power supply also warms up (but also doesn't overheat).

Plugging the audio out into a guitar amplifier produces clicks when the audio ins are prodded. So at the very least, this confirms that the audio ins and outs are connected somehow. However, it produces no other sound.

I have used a multimeter to ensure that the correct voltages are going to each pin on the large tube. The points of my multimeter are too fat to fit into the sockets of the small tube, but the manual says it should also be possible to operate with only one tube.

I have also checked that things are not touching other things that they shouldn't, etc. As far as I can tell there is not a short.

I have searched the electricwestern website but have not found any documentation other than an incomplete version of the manual.

Has anyone built one of these? Please advise on how to troubleshoot.

TIA!

[aerogramma]

Hi, so the kit didn't come with a complete manual / assembly instructions?

have you tried to contact them?

aero

[oscilloclast]

Have you tried contacting Lorin (he sells the kits) he was very helpful in getting mine working and modded?

David

[bbinkovitz]

No, the kit did come with a complete manual. I just meant that the complete version is not available online.

I have not yet tried contacting Lorin, I wasn't sure if that would be proper synth kit etiquette or whatever.

[oscilloclast]

In my experience with building kits it's entirely appropriate to contact the maker for help (either directly or through forums (if they have one)). Most makers of kits are very willing to help people get their projects running (and Lorin has been very helpful to me). His Email is on the website.

David

[bbinkovitz]

[bbinkovitz]

wow, he has already written back with a detailed and very encouraging reply, and even gave his private phone number! i should have expected it, electro-geeks are always so nice.